DUT gets interdict against SRC
2011-07-27 20:37
Johannesburg - The Durban University of Technology on Wednesday brought a court interdict against the institution's SRC in an attempt to restore "stability" on campus.
DUT vice-chancellor and principal, Ahmed C Bawa, said: "We went to the High Court [KwaZulu-Natal High Court in Durban] to obtain an interdict against the SRC to bring stability, safety and security to our campus," Bawa said.
"Our key challenge is to have an institution that is peaceful, stable and conducive to learning... And we have to take deliberate steps to address this."
He said the university was going through a very difficult time because of a small group of students who had brought classes to a standstill.
Students were demanding financial aid for Bachelor of Technology students.
According to Bawa, government does not provide funding for B Tech studies except in the cases of education and nursing.
They are also demanding the institution provide branded condoms and sanitary towels to each student room but the university says this will be costly and unsustainable.
Students have until 12:00 on Thursday to vacate residences, and the academic programme remained suspended.
Unacceptable
The decision to suspend classes was taken after non-striking students and staff were violently intimidated at Steve Biko and ML Sultan campuses on Thursday, Bawa said.
"This is an unfortunate recent history at our university, that at the beginning of each semester there are re-occurring disruptions to the academic programme.
"This is unacceptable and I am hoping very much that we will address this matter decisively."
University management also held talks with Education Minister Blade Nzimande on Tuesday.
Nzimande apparently offered support and management was encouraged by his response at the meeting.
The Durban campuses would remain closed until further notice.
- SAPA
